The Traveler Twins' passive Hostility Sense was a secondary effect of the skill Elemental Vision. Its detection range increased with Aether's main body's Falna level, but for now, it was limited to a 10-meter radius.
That was one of the reasons why, during the previous expedition, when the team was ambushed by the Worm Well, Aether and Lumine had failed to react in time.
But now,
"…Hm?"
The red arrow in his vision appeared for only a fleeting moment. When Aether and Lumine instinctively turned toward it, all they saw at the tavern's entrance was… emptiness.
Looking further beyond, the bustling street outside seemed completely normal.
No… I'm certain it wasn't an illusion.
After all, while in the Starfire's Flowing Light, he wasn't just one person.
Ying, despite being a soul copy of his main body and linked through Mental Link to share perceptions in real time, was still a separate consciousness.
In such a case, the two of them couldn't possibly suffer the same hallucination for no reason.
Which meant,
[Za Warudo]
As the thought flashed through his mind, Aether's response lagged only a heartbeat.
Being someone who preferred caution, he willed Paimon, who was in stealth, to activate her Time Stop ability.
As mana began burning away at a frightening rate,
Whoosh~
Cut off from interference with the outside world, and untouchable by it as well, Paimon soared into the Frozen Realm, scanning from midair for anomalies.
She focused especially on the alleys beside the Hostess of Fertility and the rooftops around it.
Unfortunately…
"Tch, too slow."
The tiny figure sighed. "They're likely an expert at concealment… already blending into the crowd as if nothing happened."
Had Aether triggered Paimon Time immediately, he might have caught them. The delay left him frustrated.
It was a small mistake, but one that reminded him how inexperienced he still was.
Mana burned away too quickly.
As time resumed its flow,
Though he couldn't uncover the cause of the sudden Hostility Sense, Aether instinctively followed through on his plan.
Paimon, still invisible, discreetly observed the surrounding adventurers… and even checked on Loki, the goddess herself.
The results were reassuring.
Neither Finn, Riveria, Gareth, Mama Mia, nor any of the other Lv.6s noticed her disguise.
As for the Lv.5s and below, no chance.
Even Loki herself hadn't sensed the anomaly of the brief Time Stop.
Incidentally, Aether had tested these scenarios with Freya earlier, and the results matched perfectly.
Still, being cautious by nature, he welcomed the chance to run another field test.
After all… what if some gods can sense things Freya cannot?
Or worse, what if Freya hadn't told me the whole truth back then?
Though reluctant to doubt the goddess whose favorability toward him had reached Level 8, living in this otherworld demanded vigilance.
At the very least, tonight's results both strengthened his trust in Freya, and reminded him not to drop his guard.
All right. Set this aside for now.
Inside the tavern, Aether kept smiling and joking with the playful waitresses.
But in his heart, he was already pondering,
That fleeting hostility… where did it come from?
He tucked the thought away.
================
That same night,
"The Twin Stars may possess an extraordinarily high-level detection skill, Ishtar-sama."
District 4 of Orario, Pleasure Quarter.
A place of brothels, red-light houses, and indulgence.
Each night, those burdened by stress, or simply perverts with no shame, came to vent their desires.
Many Familia and merchants ran these "legal" establishments, though many of the "workers" were hardly volunteers.
Unlike the free-spirited Amazons, many were women fallen into bondage for various reasons, sold and priced like commodities.
From this alone, one could glimpse the darker side of the world.
Of course, the largest and most infamous of these establishments belonged to the Ishtar Familia.
Out of jealousy, Ishtar had even modeled her residence after a miniature Orario, with her throne at the top of a "Little Babel Tower."
And now,
"You mean you were noticed?"
The tanned goddess, draped in little more than translucent silks, narrowed her eyes at the muscular man kneeling before her.
"I don't believe my presence was exposed," he reported respectfully. "But I was certainly sensed."
"They are too sharp. To avoid compromising my cover, I had no choice but to retreat."
"Tammuz… you're only Lv.4, yes. But your magic can elude even the Braver and the Hero. And yet, you claim it failed against two mere Lv.2s?"
Ishtar's expression darkened.
"Tch. So this is the 'one-week-to-Level-2 genius,' is it?"
"Seems I can't allow such an abnormal threat to grow unchecked."
"If I am to topple that bitch, the Twin Stars will be a critical variable in my plans."
Lifting Tammuz's chin with her foot, Ishtar exhaled a lazy puff from her pipe.
"Bring Aisha. No, better bring Phryne too, to be safe."
"Find a chance in the Dungeon. Take the Gemini."
"Capture them if possible. I want them for myself."
Her eyes glinted. "But if things change… don't hold back."
"Until then, be discreet. That bitch mustn't suspect."
"…Yes, Ishtar-sama."
Tammuz withdrew, already planning the operation.
This was hardly his first time. In truth…
He had once been ensnared by Ishtar in the same way. Victim and executor both, he was well-versed in the routine.
As he left,
"Heh~"
Seated upon her false throne, the tanned goddess smirked coldly.
"Years of preparation… and just two more steps remain."
"I can't wait to see that self-proclaimed queen stripped bare and thrown into the streets."
"It will be deliciously entertaining."
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